Travel Security Analysis: Business travel to Lebanon: Is it safe?

By Max Security’s Intelligence Department

For decades, perceptions of Lebanon have been as conflicted as the country itself. The capital, Beirut has been dubbed by some as a focal point for terrorism and civil unrest, while others maintain that its vibrant culture and western lifestyle rival that of many European capitals.  For the past decade, Lebanon has succeeded in restoring its pre-civil war glory, becoming one of the eastern-Mediterranean’s primary business and tourism hubs.  Despite these advancements, the same sectarian and political divides which fueled years of armed conflict continue to cast a shadow over stability in Lebanon, threatening a complete collapse of stability at a moment’s notice.  In July 2006, armed conflict between the Israeli military and the Hezbollah militia resulted in widespread damage the Beirut, as well as transportation and infrastructure throughout the country. In 2008, Hezbollah and other Shia factions staged an armed takeover of Beirut in a matter of hours after the government threatened to dismantle its telecommunications network at the city’s international airport.

Today, a number of issues threaten stability in Lebanon to the point where various nations have issued warnings against travel to the country. The conflict in neighboring Syria has been a main factor, sparking unprecedented domestic criticism against the Hezbollah-led government for its support of the embattled Assad regime. This criticism has been expressed by the Sunni-led opposition as well as from members of the coalition itself, increasing speculation over the possibility that the government may fall.  Many have feared that this scenario would cause Hezbollah to take drastic action and seize control of the country as was done in 2008.

While political tension is brewing in Beirut, Lebanon’s outlying areas in almost all directions of the capital have seen a spike in lawlessness and civil unrest. In the Bekaa valley, organize crime has surged due to revenues from drugs and weapons smuggling, while Palestinian factions have stepped up their activity in various refugee camps in the south. The northern city of Tripoli witnessed the largest anti-government demonstrations in months, and recent violence in the city has been attributed to rising sectarian tensions between local Allawites and Sunnis.

With all this in mind, is it safe to do business in Lebanon?  The fact of the matter is that those who wish to travel to Lebanon should do so with the understanding that the country is currently undergoing one of the most tense and volatile periods in the last decade. Business critical travel can continue, while taking the necessary precautions and security advice. Make sure you have reliable local contacts in case there is a sudden escalation in the country. An itinerary based security brief is highly recommended. While North and West districts of Beirut remain calm, southern districts like Dahiya and Bourg Hammoud remain especially hostile to westerners, while running a high risk for outbreaks of sectarian unrest. Despite the beauty and history offered by the Lebanese countryside, travel to these areas is best saved for another time, when the security situation improves.

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